Hunting Island State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- $8 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions6-ft leash
- Camping
- 127 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- southcarolinaparks.com(843) 838-2011
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Partial closure Park NewsPARK ADVISORY Due to hazardous conditions caused by recent and forecasted high tides, the bridge to Little Hunting Island/ Boneyard Beach will be… (more)
PARK ADVISORY Due to hazardous conditions caused by recent and forecasted high tides, the bridge to Little Hunting Island/ Boneyard Beach will be temporarily closed for visitor safety. The area will reopen when conditions are safe. We appreciate your patience and understanding. The Nature Center will be closed December 2, 2026, starting at 1pm so we can perform inventory. The Campground Store will be closed on December 3, 2026, and December 4, 2026, for inventory. We apologize for the inconvenience. The Lighthouse store is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We now have a track chair available for visitors with mobility impairments, thanks to the Ford Bronco Wild Fund. Visitors are encouraged to call the park to reserve the track chair at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. There is no additional charge to use the track chair, but a Park Passport or park admission is required for entry for all visitors. Read more about this new track chair here. Discover St. Phillips Island Once the private retreat of conservationist Ted Turner, St. Phillips Island is a 4,680-acre barrier island accessible only by boat. Take a day trip to explore forested trails, spot…
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 1,343 acres, Hunting Island State Park lies in Beaufort County, about 15 miles east of Port Royal.
The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Water access includes a boat ramp. Overnight options include 127 campsites across 2 camping areas, with RV sites and tent sites. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. | — |
| Visitor center — Nature Center | Daily | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
| Campground | Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
| Store | Not stated | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
| Office | Not stated | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
| Not stated | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Park Hours: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time)
Nature Center Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily
Campground Store Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily.
Lighthouse Store Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sa-Su
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sa-Su
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| $8/adult; | $8 · adult |
| $5/SC seniors; | $5 · senior |
| $4/ child age 6-15; | $4 · child |
| Free for children 5 and younger | Free |
Official wording
$8/adult; $5/SC seniors; $4/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger
South Carolina park passes
- ALL Park Passport — $99 Details
From the South Carolina state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- SC State Parks reservation system (reserve.southcarolinaparks.com)
- Phone
- 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions · leash up to 6 feet
Not allowed in or on: the cabin or the cabin area; the tip of north beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat.
Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area, on the pier or inside the lighthouse complex. Dogs are not permitted on the tip of North Beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area, on the pier or inside the lighthouse complex. Dogs are not permitted on the tip of North Beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sites with Elec. & Water | 102 | Standard Sites with Elec. & Water | — |
| Designated Tent Sites | 25 | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping Information: Two campgrounds are located at the northern end of the park near the ocean. One of the campgrounds provides individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft.; others up to 28 ft.
Standard Sites with Elec. & Water: 102 sites
50 Amp Service Sites: 102 of the standard sites offer 20/30 & 50 amp electrical service.
Designated Tent Sites: 25 sites
Primitive Group Area: A primitive group camping area is available for organized groups. (An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.) The area includes picnic tables, central water and nearby restroom.
Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly at 843-838-2011. The nightly rate is $80 and includes up to ten campers. The rate increases by $8 for each additional person. Prices do not include tax. Each site can accommodate up to 30 people maximum.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Cabins/Villas: 1 unit
Lodging Information: Hunting Island offers one rental cabin. The cabin includes linens, basic cooking and eating utensils, satellite television, dvd player, free WiFi, microwave oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer, automatic coffee maker, central air and heat, outside grill and picnic table. The cabin includes a screened porch. Pets are not permitted in the cabin or cabin area.
Two Bedroom Cabin/Villa: The cabin is a 2BR unit that accommodates up to six.
Cabins/Villas: 1
Things to do
FishingBoatingCanoeing and kayakingPicnickingBikingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingCampingHistoric sites and toursHorseback ridingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail | 1.9 mi | Moderately Strenuous | Length: 1.9 milesHiking and Mountain Biking Trail |
| Lagoon Trail | 1.4 mi | Easy | Length: 1.4 milesHiking Trail |
| Magnolia Forest Trail | 1.2 mi | Easy | Length: 1.2 milesHiking Trail |
| Maritime Forest Trail | 2 mi | Easy | Length: 2.0 milesHiking Trail |
| Marsh Boardwalk Crossover Trail | 0.3 mi | Easy | Length: 0.3 milesHiking Trail |
| Marsh Boardwalk Trail | 0.25 mi | Easy | Length: 0.25 milesHiking Trail |
| Nature Center Scenic Trail | 0.7 mi | Easy | Length: 0.7 milesHiking Trail |
| Palmetto Pass Trail | 0.2 mi | Easy | Length: 0.2 milesHiking Trail |
| Pine Pass Trail | 0.2 mi | Easy | Length: 0.2 mileHiking Trail |
Trail descriptions from the park
Click here for a downloadable park trail map.
Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail
Length: 1.9 miles
Type: Hiking and Mountain Biking Trail
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Description: This trail is accessible from the Nature Center Scenic Trail and “J” Parking via the Palmetto Pass and Maritime Forest Trail. This trail was re-routed in 2019 after several large storms. It is for experienced walkers and mountain bikers only. It is a moderately strenuous trail and has some difficult spots.
Lagoon Trail
Length: 1.4 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This trail starts at “J” Parking and winds along the lagoon. It leads you through the maritime forest while providing scenic views of the lagoon and the various wildlife habitats between.
Magnolia Forest Trail
Length: 1.2 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: With natural terrain and some hilly surfaces, this trail will take you from the campground to the entrance gate of the daily beach access areas, lighthouse, Visitors Center and lagoon access.
From the entrance gate, you will walk the roads of the park to reach the areas within, so be prepared for vehicle traffic. You are sure to see plenty of beautiful magnolia trees along the way.
Maritime Forest Trail
Length: 2.0 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This trail takes you deep into the interior maritime forest. You will see dense vegetation that provides protected habitat for many animals, including deer, raccoons, owls, hawks and squirrels.
Marsh Boardwalk Crossover Trail
Length: 0.3 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This connector trail intersects the Lagoon Trail, Maritime Forest Trail and Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail to provide a path leading to the Marsh Boardwalk Trail.
Marsh Boardwalk Trail
Length: 0.25 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Designated a National Recreation Trail, this wooden boardwalk mixed with a crushed hardened surface is great for observing life in the salt marsh. The dock on the end provides an area for viewing magnificent sunsets.
Nature Center Scenic Trail
Length: 0.7 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This trail provides access from the Nature Center to the Diamond Back Rattlesnake, Maritime Forest and Lagoon trails. Make sure to walk the pedestrian bridge to gain access to the two trails on our Little Hunting Island. Experience the ever-changing views of a wild barrier island
Palmetto Pass Trail
Length: 0.2 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This trail offers easy access from “J” Parking to the Maritime Forest and Diamondback Rattlesnake trails.
Pine Pass Trail
Length: 0.2 mile
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This easy trail connects the Lagoon Trail with the Maritime Forest Trail.
Swimming
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in the Atlantic Ocean at your own risk. There is no designated swimming area and no lifeguards are on duty.
Boating and paddling
Boating and Boat Access: Public boat access is available at the south end of the park where a boat ramp provides access to Harbor River and Fripp Inlet.
Fishing
Fishing Information: Guest enjoy fishing in Johnson Creek, the lagoon or surf fishing on the beach. Bait, equipment and other supplies can be purchased at the park store located in the campground.
Fishing Pier: The fishing pier, located at the southern tip of the park, extends 950’ feet into Fripp Inlet. Pets are not allowed on the fishing pier.
Tackle Loaner Program: This park participates in the Tackle Loaner Program sponsored by the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Rods and reels are available for loan at the Nature Center. The Nature Center loans out rods and reels from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during days of operation for use on the pier. Limit of four rods per group.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Wi-Fi
- EV charging
- Laundry
- Group facilities
Water
- Boat ramp
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
Lodging
- Cabins
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 2555 Sea Island PKWY
Hunting Island, SC 29920 - Nearest town
- Port Royal — about 15 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 32.3664, -80.4444 (from Wikidata)
- Phone
- (843) 838-2011
- huntingisland@scprt.com
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- South Carolina State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- South Carolina State Parks Park Finder (JSON embedded in #park-finder-component data-parks)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Hunting Island 2.jpg — Public domain (released by the author), The original uploader was Cdamgen at English Wikipedia .
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology